I always loved watching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play in his glory days in the 1980s. His skyhook was unbeatable and his teammates always found him open on the post. His long arms and tall frame were perfect for taking the center position to a new level.
Now 64 years old, Abdul-Jabbar is set to embark on a new journey. As part of his non-profit work, the imposing presence on the basketball court will now become a Cultural Ambassador for the United States. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the announcement Jan. 18.
“I look forward to meeting with young people all over the world and discussing ways in which we can strengthen our understanding of one another through education, sports and through greater cultural tolerance,” the former NBA star said, according to the State Department.
He is the perfect ambassador for cultural exchanges in the United States. He’s funny and likable. I remember his hilarious scene in the movie “Airplane” when the big-haired player argues with a kid named Joey about running up and down the court trying to keep up with other players.
Abdul-Jabbar’s first stop will be Brazil in late January. He will participate in two basketball clinics in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
In addition to being great with kids, Abdul-Jabbar can also use sports as a universal language of understanding. Aside from soccer, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. It can be played outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. There is no shortage of countries the jovial star can go.
Plus, he will literally stick out in a crowd. There aren’t many humans that are 7’2″ tall.
His tenure as a Cultural Ambassador will extend throughout the entire year in 2012. Abdul-Jabbar will focus on underprivileged children, much like his Skyhook Foundation. The hall of famer realized in elementary school that his education on and off the court were vital assets in living his life.
His foundation produced the film “On the Shoulders of Giants,” a film about sports pioneers mostly forgotten in the American sports consciousness. His story about the Harlem Rens is as much a journey through America’s 20th Century as it is a look at true sacrifice, determination and hard work that goes into excelling in sports.
Instead of wowing NBA fans with skyhooks and huge leaps, Abdul-Jabbar’s very presence will amaze kids all over the world. This move is a slam dunk for the gentle giant.
William Browning is a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder ever since the team relocated from Seattle. As the closest NBA team to Branson, Mo., the Thunder serve as the regional team for southwest Missouri.